Under new leadership and advancing bold strategic goals, this is an exciting time to join Heartspring. We're investing in our educational programs, expanding opportunities for students with autism and developmental disabilities, and creating a collaborative culture where educators are empowered to make a lasting impact. If you're passionate about helping students reach their full potential, we'd love to have you on our team.

• Location: Wichita, KS
• Hours: Monday – Friday
• Schedule: Full-Time
• Requirements: Current Kansas Special Education teaching license (KSDE)

The Special Education Teacher provides individualized instruction and educational programming for students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and complex behavioral needs. Working alongside an interdisciplinary team, the Special Education Teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), fosters academic and functional growth, and creates a structured, supportive classroom where every student can succeed.

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized education programs (IEPs)
• Deliver evidence-based instruction tailored to each student's academic, behavioral, communication, and functional needs
• Create structured classroom environments that promote learning, independence, and student engagement
• Utilize positive behavior supports and classroom management strategies to encourage student success
• Adapt lesson plans and instructional approaches based on student progress and data

• Assess student performance and monitor progress toward educational goals
• Promote communication, social skills, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and functional independence
• Collaborate with behavior specialists and related service providers to support students with complex learning and behavioral needs
• Reinforce positive behaviors while maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment

• Partner with families to communicate student progress and educational goals
• Collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, nurses, and educational staff to support student success
• Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions

• Maintain accurate educational records, progress reports, and documentation
• Ensure compliance with Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) regulations, IDEA requirements, and Heartspring policies
• Complete required reports and documentation in a timely manner

• Participate in professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Mentor and provide guidance to classroom support staff
• Contribute to a collaborative, positive, and mission-driven educational environment

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field
• Current Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Special Education teaching license
• Valid Kansas driver's license

Preferred

• Master's degree in Special Education or a related field
• Experience working with students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or emotional and behavioral disorders
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) Certification
• Strong classroom management, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Passion for helping children learn, grow, and achieve greater independence

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Generous paid time off
• School calendar schedule with work-life balance
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Career growth and advancement pathways
• Collaborative interdisciplinary team
• Supportive leadership committed to employee success
• Meaningful work that changes children's lives every day

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting: Up to 30 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. rarely
• Carrying: 10-15 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. seldom
• Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely; stand constantly; walk frequently
• Climbing: rarely
• Bending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: frequently
• Reaching: frequently
• Pushing/Pulling: 10-15 lbs. occasionally; 50 lbs. rarely
• Dexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
• Stamina/Endurance: mild exertion frequently; heavy exertion occasionally
• Vision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions or warnings
• Mind-Body Connection: frequent awareness of body positioning and task execution

Work Environment:

• Environment: Indoor and outdoor work environments
• Safety Compliance & PPE Requirements: Adherence to safety protocols and protective gear use constantly. Mandatory use of Heartspring standard PPE, with additional protective gear (e.g., gloves, helmets, arm guards, leg guards) provided as needed.
• Physical Interactions & Exposure Risks: Frequent exposure to physical interactions from clients, including slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, head-butting, and biting. Potential exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens in a school and residential care setting.

Join Heartspring and become part of a team that's transforming the future for children with special needs through exceptional education, compassion, and innovation.